Queensland Symphony Orchestra to mark 10 years of Symphony Under the Stars in Gladstone on Friday 2 September

Fifty-seven QSO musicians will travel to Gladstone for the 10th anniversary concert; one of QSO’s biggest trips in its 75th birthday year.

Symphony Under the Stars is supported by Australia Pacific LNG operated by ConocoPhillips, Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, and Gladstone Port Corporation. The much-anticipated visit is part of the Gladstone Enrichment through Music (GEM) initiative, which since the beginning in 2012, has welcomed audiences totalling 41,000 people.

This year the concert will be led by conductor and popular host Guy Noble and will explore a fantastic program of well-known symphonic favourites from film and opera, as well as large-scale pieces that showcase every instrument of the orchestra.

“Symphony Under the Stars will be a non-stop romp through music that has thrilled audiences for decades including excerpts from some of the most famous pieces ever written, all in one concert,” he said.

“For those people new to classical music who think they just want to hear famous pieces – this concert is for you. For all those who recognise a tune when they hear it but can’t quite remember what it’s called – this concert is also for you. And for the rest of you who know and love these favourites, you’ll want to be there as well. See you on 2 September, for a concert for the ages.”

Gladstone Prodigy program students will perform side-by-side with QSO musicians in this unmissable concert. The students will receive workshop opportunities with QSO musicians in the lead-up to the performance for their community.

Five students from Tannum Sands State High School will perform including Simone Henry (flute), Dwight Ramsay (clarinet), Logan Nutley (oboe), Isaac Rankin (double bass) and Hannah Rankin (cello), as well as Caleb Dawe (trumpet) from Chanel College, Joshua Mapleson (tuba) from Gladstone State High School and Lauren Porteous (trombone) from Tooloola State High School.

Local instrumental music teachers and facilitators will also be provided professional development opportunities with QSO musicians and conductor Guy Noble as part of the three-day Central Queensland Instrumental Music workshop.

ConocoPhillips Manager Communities and Sustainable Development Rob Gibb said there couldn’t be a better time to share this iconic event with the Gladstone community.

“The Gladstone community, like all others, is managing the economic and social impacts of a global pandemic that has restricted live events for most of this year. Having the opportunity to responsibly present this event with the Gladstone Regional Council, Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre, and Gladstone Ports Corporation Limited is a meaningful way to lift the spirit of the community during a very tough year,” he said.

This event is FREE, and bookings are not required.